Welcome to your August Newsletter Sharing the latest guides, activities and resources from Age UK Islington and other local organisations. British Museum session at Cally Clock Tower Park Cuppa revives childhood memories At one of our weekly Wednesday Park Cuppa sessions at Cally Clock Tower Centre last month, we had a fascinating session with the British Museum. They brought along from their handling collection. This included an African board game that Sharon, who volunteers at the Park Cuppa recognised from her childhood.
See photos of some of the objects that were shared and Sharon's memories of the game Oware that she played when she was a child. Also find out about when the British Museum are next coming to Park Cuppa at Cally Clock Tower and our regular guest host from Arsenal in the Community. Changes to Winter Fuel Payment You might have heard the announcement in the press this week that there have been changes to those people who are eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment. The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment to help with heating costs during the colder months. The Government announced that, from this year onwards, to be eligible you must have been born on or before 22 September 1958 AND be in receipt of pension credit or a limited number of other benefits. See the article for more details and links to further guides and support. GET TOGETHERS & SUPPORT GROUPS Please note that booking is essential for all Age UK Islington activities. Age UK Islington Get Togethers Did you know that Age UK Islington provides a number of weekly and monthly regular Get Together activities, including social sports get togethers, dance fitness, Park Cuppas, online music appreciation and more? Let's Talk Peer Event Thursday 22 August, 10.30am - 2pm St. Mary’s Church, Upper Street, N1 2TX Let’s Talk is a relaxed, informal way to share information and to keep informed. As part of this month's session, as well as hearing from guest speakers providing information about local support services in Islington and the opportunity to get information and advice about benefits and housing issues, we're going to be coming together to take part in an opera singing workshop celebrating: football, the birth of Arsenal F.C., and also the community! Tech Break (online) Friday 9 August, 12 - 1pm How do you find using your smartphone, tablet or pc? Do you feel that you've more to know about how you can use it? Simon, our knowledgeable Tech Break volunteer puts together a presentation for each session to give you a valuable insight into a new topic. Topics are based on feedback from clients. Our next session will focus on 'Managing smartphone notifications'. Click below to request a Zoom link. Park Cuppa Special Edition with Arsenal Stadium Tour Tuesday 20 August, 10.30am – 12noon Islington Ecology Centre, 191 Drayton Park, N5 1PH We're going to meet at the Islington Ecology Centre at 10.30am for a 30 minute tea/coffee break before going off to the Arsenal stadium for a tour of the arena. Booking essential! Painting Appreciation Special Edition (online) Tuesday 27 August, 11am-12noon Guest Speaker, Amy, from the Royal Collection Trust will be providing an introduction to the Royal Collection. What do we mean by the ‘Royal Collection’? With over a million objects, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, jewellery and books, the Royal Collection is a unique record of the personal tastes of British kings and queens over the past 500 years.
The Royal Collection is held in trust by The King as Sovereign for his successors and the nation and can be seen at his Official Residences, the Historic Royal Palaces and at numerous different locations on loan to museums and galleries across the world. Kew Gardens Trip Wednesday 28 August, 11.30am-1.30pm Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE There will be two volunteers to meet you at the entrance to Kew Gardens. You're welcome to stay with them during the whole visit, but bear in mind that this won't be a guided tour. Maps are provided at the venue if you prefer to do the visit at your own pace. Click below for the form to request a place and we will confirm your place in advance of the event. Find out more about the plants and grounds at Kew Gardens here.
Create Drama & Creative Writing Workshop Wednesdays 11 Sept to 16 Oct, 1.30 - 4pm Cally Clock Tower Centre, Caledonian Park, N7 9PL Age UK Islington and Create are holding a series of six creative writing and drama workshops for adults aged 50+, that will inspire participants to not just write but also bring to life some of the material. You'll be provided with prompts, exercises and group discussions and there will be an opportunity to present your work at a closing performance. The classes are tailored for all levels of experience and are guaranteed to be a lot of fun. No prior experience of writing or acting required! As there are limited places, please only request a place if you are able to attend all the sessions.
"The atmosphere...was a joy - I can’t fault the team...they had lots of patience & they helped us no-end - I appreciated their help as my hand doesn’t always do what I want due to my stroke...doing this course has taught me that I can & given me confidence to try out new things." Attendee on our recent Create Art Workshop
Click below to request a place and we will confirm your place in advance of the event.
Thursday 8 August, 2pm This month's Park Theatre Get Together is the performance When it Happens to You. It's a pay-what-you-can performance and there's a social beforehand. Please note we are informed the day before the number of tickets that are available, so will only be able to confirm if you have a place the afternoon before. Tuesday 27 August, 2 - 4pm Our monthly Breakfast Club Get Together is taking place at this popular Angel cafe. Please note that this venue is not accessible - there are five steps to access the cafe and a flight of stairs to get to the toilets. London Multiply Workshop at the Islington Exchange Friday 2 August, 10am – 1pm Islington Exchange, Watkinson Rd, N7 8DE Feel nervous around numbers, need help with the numbers on your household bills or want to upskill for work? You are not alone. This summer the Mayor’s London Multiply Roadshow is back, bringing a series of free and fun events to help Londoners build their confidence with numbers. For more info about the workshop and free local numeracy courses click below. Elthorne Pride
Saturday 3 August 1-4pm
Caxton House, 129 St John's Way, N19 3RQ
The Annual Big Lunch is back this year, and it's bigger and better than ever! Join us for a fantastic day of food, fun, and community spirit. £3 entrance.
Health and Nature Walk in Gillespie Park Friday 2 August, 10am Islington Ecology Centre, 191 Drayton Park, London N5 1PH Give yourself a monthly boost and join our monthly walk around Gillespie Park in Islington. The walk is for people who would like to learn about how the park is changing over the seasons to discuss new plant and wildlife as they flourish over the summer period.
Chat to local people or simply enjoy nature. The centre is wheelchair accessible and the walk we take can be wheelchair friendly with a day's notice upon request. The walk will be followed by tea and biscuits together.
No need to book, simply drop in. If you have any questions about the walk, please email ecologycentre@islington.gov.uk. Welcome to The Clocktower Festival!
Sunday 4 August, 12-6pm
Caledonian Park, N7 9PL
Come join us at Caledonian Park for a day filled with fun, food, and festivities from 12-6pm. The clock tower will be at the centerpiece of our event, with live music, local vendors, and activities for all ages. Don't miss out on this exciting community gathering! Whether you're a local resident or just passing through,The Clocktower Festival is the place to be. Grab your friends and family and head on over for a memorable day out. See you there! No need to book. CV Writing Workshop: unlocking your potential
Monday 5th August, 10.50am-1pm
KX Recruit, 11 Stable Street, Kings Cross, N1C 4AB
Are you a resident of Camden or Islington and ready to stand out in today's competitive job market? Crafting a compelling CV is the first step towards unlocking endless opportunities. Join our exclusive workshop and take your professional journey to new heights! Limited Seats Available. Expert Patient Programme: Manage your Type 2 diabetes
Wednesday 7 August, 10am-1pm Killick Street Health Centre, 75 Killick St, N1 9R Managing life with a long-term condition can often be daunting, but this programme can help you to gain control of your health with just one 3-hour session a week for 7 weeks. For more information about this programme run by the Whittington Health Expert Patient Programme, click below to see their website or call 0207 527 1189 /1558 or e-mail whh-tr.Self-Management@nhs.net Health and Socialcare Fully Funded Skills Course
Start date Mon 9 September
Capital City College are now taking referrals for our Regents Park Centre classroom based 5-week Health and Social Care course. Learning hours are 10am till 2.30 pm Monday to Thursday. Learners will study for the Level 2 Certificate in Preparation to Work in Adult Health and Social Care, Level 2 Certificate “Mental Health Awareness within the Workplace” together with Employability Support with Guaranteed Job Interviews. Good Neighbours Summer Community Party Saturday 17 August, 1- 4pm Jean Stokes Community Centre, Coatbridge House, Carnoustie Drive, N1 0DX Fun for all the family, with arts and crafts, football, boxing, massage and refreshments. Hosted by the Help on Your Doorstep team, local councillors and youth services for the Good Neighbour's Scheme Summer Community Party. Cook for Good, Men's Grub Club
Friday 16 August (monthly sessions)
Hugh Cubitt Community Centre, 48 Collier Street, N1 9QZ The club is designed for gentlemen aged 60 and over to come together once a month on a Friday to cook delicious healthy meals with our top chefs and then sit down and enjoy them in a friendly setting. Learn how to make delicious, comforting meals alongside your neighbours, then sit down and enjoy the food together. Click below for more information and complete the form to get on their ‘invite list’ for the course. Cost of Living Event
Thursday 22 August, 1-3.30pm Caxton House, 129 St John's Way, N19 3RQ Organised by Help on Your Doorstep, Octopus Community Centres and Age UK Islington, there will be practical help and advice about energy bills, debt and other issues, with support and information to take away. Hot food and refreshments will be available, plus some give-aways and pop-up health checks (blood pressure checks, diabetes risk assessments) and MMR vaccine clinic. No booking required, Islington residents can just come along on the day. Rehabit Community Recovery Programme for Drugs and Alcohol Rehabit is running two one-month community recovery programmes in Islington for those struggling with drugs and alcohol and who want to stop. The programmes will be a flexible combination of face-to-face and online sessions. The first will take place between 30 September – 25 October, and the second between 28 October – 22 November. There are 10 spaces for each monthly programme. Fight against Type 2 Diabetes in Islington with Boxercise Champions 4 Change Wellbeing C.I.C. Saturdays, 10.30 to 11.30am (£5 suggested donation) Claremont Project, White Lion Street, N1 9PD The programme aims to empower adults with or at risk of Type 2 Diabetes to improve their health and wellbeing through structured exercise based on non-contact boxing or boxercise.
Contacting Age UK Islington If you are finding things difficult and need someone to talk to, don't forget that you can call the Age UK Islington Helpline on 020 7281 6018 (Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm) or email gethelp@ageukislington.org.uk.
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